Urgent: Critical File Upload Vulnerability in Flex QR Code Generator Plugin (CVE-2025-12673)

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Overview

A critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-12673, has been discovered in the Flex QR Code Generator plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to the affected server, potentially leading to remote code execution. It affects all versions up to and including 1.2.6.

Technical Details

The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper file type validation within the update_qr_code() function. Specifically, the plugin fails to adequately verify the type of file being uploaded. This allows an attacker to bypass intended security measures and upload malicious files, such as PHP scripts, directly to the server’s file system. The vulnerable code is located within the plugin’s core functionality, making it readily accessible for exploitation. The function responsible for updating the QR code lacks sufficient checks, enabling the upload of arbitrary files.

Vulnerable code snippet location: qr-code-generator.php#L457

CVSS Analysis

This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical severity. The high score is due to the ease of exploitation and the potential for significant impact.

  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-12673
  • Severity: CRITICAL
  • CVSS Score: 9.8

Possible Impact

The impact of this vulnerability is severe. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to:

  • Gain complete control of the affected WordPress website.
  • Inject malicious code into the website, compromising visitors.
  • Steal sensitive data, including user credentials and financial information.
  • Deface the website.
  • Use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks.

Mitigation and Patch Steps

Immediate action is required to mitigate this vulnerability:

  1. Update the Plugin: The most critical step is to update the Flex QR Code Generator plugin to the latest available version as soon as a patched version is released by the plugin developer. Check the WordPress plugin repository for updates.
  2. Disable the Plugin: If an update is not immediately available, disable the plugin until a patched version can be installed. This will prevent attackers from exploiting the vulnerability.
  3. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block arbitrary file uploads. This provides an additional layer of security.
  4. Monitor Website Activity: Closely monitor your website’s activity for any suspicious behavior, such as unexpected file uploads or changes to the file system.

References

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